Aaronson's Alert

I am pleased to inform you that South County’s own Osprey Point Golf Course was recently designated as a Certified Audubon International Classic Sanctuary; the first of its kind in Florida, second of its kind in the United States, and fifth of its kind in the entire World!

“This certification recognizes our successful effort to integrate an ecosystem approach into the redesign and long term management of the property by enhancing the natural habitat, conserving water, reducing chemical use and saving energy,” said Eric Call, Director of Parks and Recreation, in an email announcing this achievement.

If you are a golfer and have not yet played there, I highly recommend it. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the 27-hole championship golf course is beautiful and features a medley of enticing lakeside vistas, a modern rolling layout, and considerable open space needed for wildlife in our developed community.

Osprey Point was the perfect finishing touch to its award winning counterpart, South County Regional Park. The park itself gained national recognition just last year as the recipient of the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials’ (NACPRO) Park and Recreation Facility Award. This award program recognizes and honors excellence in recreation and park facilities and is designed to focus national attention on the very best of facility design. The award is designed to showcase and encourage outstanding efforts in planning, design, construction, and benefits to the community.

South County Regional Park encompasses 848 acres and includes Sunset Cove Amphitheater, Coconut Cove Waterpark, Daggerwing Nature Center, and Canine Cove Dog Park, not to mention the playgrounds, athletic fields, racquet center, bike trail, freshwater boat ramp, picnic opportunities, and more.

For more information about South County Regional Park, or any of the wonderful parks and leisure opportunities available throughout Palm Beach County, please visit the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department online at www.pbcparks.com or by calling (561) 966-6600.

I would like to end by mentioning the 2010 hurricane season is just around the corner. While storms have forsaken us recently all one has to do is hear the words Wilma, Jeanne or Frances and the importance of making preparations comes rushing back. In the past I have worked diligently with county staff to provide information vital to attaining that goal. Next month I plan to address this issue further.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you.  As your Commissioner, I am here to help you.  You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205.  My email address is:  baaronso@pbcgov.org.